Project Description

Shored MSE walls (SMSE) are now widely sought by engineers that are challenged to widen or rehabilitate existing infrastructure.

Our innovative solution is TerraLink™. Developed by Terre Armee, this solution solves these challenges to build new earth-retained structures that front existing structures where limited room for expansion is available.

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TerraLink™ shored MSE retaining walls

Terre Armee engineers have pioneered this innovative solution to link a new structure to an existing structure. With TerraLink™, you can build widenings or additions to link an added structure to the face of a soil-nail wall, an existing concrete retaining wall, or a natural feature such as sloped terrain that are allowing only a narrow space for the necessary soil reinforcements and backfill.

Road and railway widenings

The continuous increase in road and railway traffic in urban areas renders existing infrastructure as under-dimensioned. Infrastructure widening with structure additions using our TerraLink™ SMSE solution is necessary to loosen traffic bottlenecks and stabilize existing structures.

Earth shoring

TerraLink™ is a cost-effective way for building a conventional earth-retained structure or shoring system in restrictive proximity to an existing slope or structure. Typical design conceptions involve significant earthwork through excavation and excessive fill, and replacements. By lowering these high costs, TerraLink™ is an excellent solution.

The TerraLink™ solution

Components resemble our typical Reinforced Earth® MSE wall solution:

  • Facing panels that can be made of precast concrete, welded wire mesh, or metallic panels
  • Steel or geosynthetic soil reinforcement strips that are connected to the facing elements
  • Select or engineered backfill

The TerraLink™ connections

Our solution is intended to link an existing structure with the new TerraLink™ structure. These structures are designed with either one, or a combination of two different methods for linking:

> Friction link
Alternating layers of soil reinforcements, each layer connected to one or the opposing surface

  • those being solely connected to the back face of the new structure
  • those being solely connected to the face of the existing structure.

> Direct link
All soil reinforcement connecting the two extremities are structurally linked directly to one another.

One or both, friction-link or direct-link connections could apply to your project.

Design approach

Key in designing the TerraLink™ configuration, Terre Armee engineers will assess the conditions of the existing structure(s). We closely analyze the origin (existing MSE, soil nail wall, sloped terrain, bedrock, etc.), as it is important to evaluate the stability of the as-built environment. We consult with you on internal, external and global stability in support of the new, reconfigured structure, including revised load conditions and extended service life.

Benefits

Cost savings

Cost savings

Working in areas with imited room for construction, this solution dramatically minimizes soil excavation and replacement quantities.

Optimization of materials

Optimization of materials

Offering a choice of facing elements, soil reinforcements and backfill types results in best-suit design for each project.

Finished appearance

Finished appearance

Architectural prefabricated cladding, or a natural “green” appearance is possible among your choices for wall facings.

Minimal disruption to traffic

Minimal disruption to traffic

Where a standard retaining wall would require the dismantling of an existing structure, the TerraLinkTM system enables the construction of a new wall while keeping in place the existing structure, maintaining traffic active during the construction time.

Rapid construction

Rapid construction

TerraLinkTM structures are quick to install. Materials can be delivered to site just in time for construction.

Reliability

Reliability

The internal strength and overall stability of the TerraLinkTM composite structure provides significant static and dynamic load-bearing capacity.

Adaptation to existing structure

Adaptation to existing structure

The TerraLinkTM design can be adapted to fit many different existing structures, be it a soil nail wall, and existing Reinforced Earth® wall or a natural feature, such as sloped terrain or bedrock.

Reduced environmental footprint

Reduced environmental footprint

Using less materials, requiring less space, and generating less CO2 than conventional construction methods, the TerraLinkTM technique reduces the impact on the environment.

Reduced land use

Reduced land use

TerraLinkTM structures require little land use and site impact during construction, which is a great advantage where construction projects need to accommodate existing infrastructure and busy urban areas.

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